Letter to the Campus Community – March 31, 2014

Dear members of the Marquette community:

I’m writing to say thank you for the exceedingly warm welcome you’ve extended to my family and me. I have been overwhelmed by the support faculty, students, staff and alumni have shown me in my first few days. I have received hundreds of well wishes via email. The students have been particularly amazing, sending me suggestions and advice about what to see and how to navigate campus. I’m extremely excited to join the Marquette community, and I look forward to getting to know you in the days and months ahead. Your energy and passion for this university is one of our greatest assets, and I thank you in advance for sharing that with me as I take on this new responsibility.

It’s extremely humbling to be following in the footsteps of 133 years of visionary Jesuit leaders. It was the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission and the chance to openly practice my Catholic faith in an organization aligned with my personal values that drew me to Marquette, and I’m grateful to have the support of the Marquette Jesuit community and the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus as we work together to fulfill Marquette’s mission.

Having spent more than 18 years as an engineering faculty member and administrator — both at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Pittsburgh, I’m passionate about learning and I believe the transformational education that Marquette students receive is something very special. What really energizes me about working in higher education is the ability to help enhance the student experience and to help young men and women change our world.

My official start date is Aug. 1. Until then, I’ll be in close contact with the Board of Trustees and plan to spend some time with you on campus to get to know you better and learn more about Marquette.

I’m impressed with the thought and collaboration that went into Beyond Boundaries, the university-wide strategic plan, and look forward to working with you to implement its initiatives. One of the goals in the strategic plan is to raise Marquette’s profile nationally, and that will certainly be a priority for me. I’m looking forward to strengthening Marquette’s community relationships — both as a strategic partner and as a pivotal resource for addressing key issues. I also plan to work closely with the faculty to enhance Marquette’s reputation as a research institution. Finally, the university has a number of key leadership hires to make in the next year, and ensuring we build the right team of people to foster innovation and collaboration will be extremely important.

I want to thank the Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Trustees for the responsibility they have entrusted to me and also express my gratitude for the support of the Marquette community. I look forward to collaborating closely with you.

Best,

Dr. Michael R. Lovell
President-Elect
Marquette University

PRESIDENT

Dr. Michael R. Lovell is the 24th president of Marquette University. A distinguished scholar, researcher, educator and leader, President Lovell holds three academic degrees in mechanical engineering, including a doctorate, from the University of Pittsburgh. As an educator, President Lovell has developed course work and fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship for faculty, staff and students. He is known for establishing powerful partnerships among the academic, industrial and nonprofit sectors in Milwaukee, regionally and nationally.